Romney showing new interest in Iowa caucus

With his prospects improving in Iowa, GOP front-runner Mitt Romney is signaling renewed interest in the first-caucus state, which would mark a change from his campaign's New Hampshire-only strategy.

Romney plans to visit western Iowa next week, his first swing through the state since August. Until recently, the former Massachusetts governor expressed little interest in competing in Iowa, which traditionally holds the first caucus of the primary season. The event is dominated by social and religious conservatives wary of some of Romney's moderate positions as governor and of his Mormon religion.

As a candidate for president four years ago, Romney spent significant resources in Iowa only to lose to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. This time, his strategy for the early primary states has been to focus intensely on New Hampshire's more moderate and independent primary voters.

That began to change this month, after candidates thought to have a better shot at winning the Iowa caucus stumbled, most notably Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota.

Recent polls have showed Romney with a narrow lead in Iowa, and the campaign sent the candidate's wife, Ann Romney, on a three-day visit last week. It also has maintained staff and field organizers in the state.

Romney plans to visit Iowa on Oct. 20 after he concludes a Western swing to Seattle, Portland, and Las Vegas. Senior adviser Eric Fehrnstrom said, "Governor Romney will be there next week, and we'll be back many more times after that."